Sainsbury’s has opened its first store of the new year with a focus on sustainability and the local community as it welcomes customers through the doors.
As part of the retailer’s sustainability Plan for Better, the brand new supermarket, based in Harrogate, will not rely on any fossil fuels for its energy needs and will be using 100% renewable electricity. It has also been fitted out with 100% LED lighting to improve energy efficiency in store, while the refrigerated aisles will only use natural refrigerants alongside Aerofoil shelf-edge technology to help them stay cool.
With a focus on the local community, the store has teamed up with Harrogate District Foodbank as a food donation partner, ensuring surplus food from the store goes to those most in need.
It will also support the grocer’s nationwide charity and community programmes, such as the annual ‘Help Brighten a Million Christmases’ campaign which matched consumer donations over the 2021 festive period, up to the value of £1.5 million.
Read more: Sainsbury’s reports ‘strong’ sales post-bumper Christmas
The 2,293 sq. ft store includes an in-store bakery which will serve fresh bread and pastry products, while customers also have access to an in-store juicer and coffee machine.
“It’s been a pleasure to attend the opening of our first new store of the year today and take the opportunity to hear some of the initial feedback from our customers,” commented Sainsbury’s property director Patrick Dunne.
“We’re really excited about our plans for Sainsbury’s property pipeline this year, ensuring we are in the best locations throughout the UK to help and serve our customers.
I’m proud of all our colleagues that are already working to upgrade and build our new stores for 2022 and can’t wait to see the results.”
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